Port St. Joe board recommends denial of rezoning request at 522 First Street

PORT ST. JOE, Fla. — The Port St. Joe Planning and Development Review Board voted Nov. 4 to recommend denial of a small-scale plan amendment that would change a commercially zoned lot at 522 First Street to residential use.

The request covered Parcel 04702-000R. The applicant sought to reverse an earlier map designation and build two-story rental units on a lot the board said is surrounded by commercial uses. Staff noted that while many nearby lots were previously rezoned to residential by ordinance, this particular lot had not been included.

Board members raised practical concerns about locating residences within an active commercial corridor. One member warned future residents could complain about typical commercial activities — deliveries, late-night work or vehicle repairs — if housing is placed amid existing businesses. Staff also noted the property is under code-enforcement notice; the applicant must provide either an engineer's letter certifying the existing structure can support a second story or plans showing how the building would be reinforced.

Following discussion, a motion to deny the map amendment because the lot sits in a commercial area prevailed; the board voted in favor of denial and will forward the recommendation to the city commission.